Soft close I would not necessarily needed, but at 29 what I paid, I'll be happy with the.
Was skeptical when ordering at the moderate price, but I'm not disappointed.
In my case the product does what it says.
Installation worked perfectly, the hinges make a much better impression than my old hardware store lid. Nothing slips or is loose, absolutely top.
My seat had no scratches, can say nothing negative about optics, clearly it is not real wood but I knew that before, and it looks - in my opinion - even quite good (a little darker than in the picture).
The lowering system works very well (glasses and / or lid) is surprisingly pleasant simply push down after getting up and the rest goes by itself. See video.
One thing I have to say now (by now about 6 weeks use) the lowering is slightly faster than they did at the beginning, ie the resistance is no longer quite as big. At present, the resistance is still perfectly adequate, it pops nothing. Will watch it, but at the moment I have to give full 5 stars because I am very satisfied and have nothing to complain about.